Overview & Reviews

If you're thinking about purchasing a vehicle rugged enough to finesse rocky trails, chances are, one make comes to mind: Jeep. This specialty automotive manufacturer has a long history of producing trucks and SUVs capable of off-highway adventures — so much so that the term jeep is used by many to refer to all SUVs, whether the vehicle in question is a true Jeep or not.

Jeep took root in WWII as the name of the now-iconic four-wheel-drive military vehicle produced by Willys-Overland and Ford for the U.S. Army. The name's origin is somewhat of a mystery; popular belief is that it morphed from "GP," or "general purpose," though others have suggested that it was a nickname derived from a character featured in the Popeye comic strip of the time.

The mid-1940s saw the introduction of the first civilian Jeep, the CJ-2A. It offered many features not available on military versions, such as a tailgate, an external fuel cap and a side-mounted spare tire, and was targeted mainly toward farmers and construction workers.

Civilian Jeeps caught on with the public, and by the 1950s, new models such as the CJ-3B and the CJ-5 had been introduced. The CJ-5 had the longest production run of any Jeep vehicle, continuing for 30 years after its introduction in the early '50s. The company changed owners during this decade as Willys-Overland was sold to Kaiser in 1953.

Jeep broke new ground in the 1960s with the debut of its Wagoneer. Geared toward active families, this early SUV was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission. A new "Dauntless" V6 became available as an option on the CJ-5 and CJ-6 in 1965. This was the first time that a Jeep CJ could be equipped with a V6. Packing 155 horses, the engine's horsepower almost doubled that offered by the standard four-cylinder.

By the 1970s, Jeep had changed ownership yet again, with the purchase of Kaiser-Jeep by American Motors Corporation. New models like the CJ-7 and the Scrambler were rolled out. Additionally, the company unveiled some new technology with the introduction of the world's first automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system. Dubbed Quadra-Trac, it was available in the CJ-7 as well as in full-size Jeep trucks and wagons. During this decade, Jeep's fortunes soared as four-wheel-drive vehicles became increasingly popular with large sections of American buyers.

The 1980s saw the introduction of the Cherokee and Wrangler. The Cherokee was one of the first of the new breed of SUVs — high-riding midsize wagons that skyrocketed in popularity as the decade progressed. The Wrangler replaced the CJ series in 1987 and offered the raw functionality of the CJ along with more comfort features. That year also saw the purchase of American Motors by Chrysler, with the Jeep brand becoming part of Chrysler's Jeep/Eagle division. One of Jeep's most popular models, the Grand Cherokee, debuted for 1993. This handsome, midsize SUV offered considerably more comfort and luxury than the smaller Cherokee while still providing stout off-road capability.

Jeep fell under the umbrella of DaimlerChrysler after Chrysler and Daimler-Benz merged in 1998. This partnership resulted in a few new models, such as the Liberty and Compass, though none were able to attain great sales success. In 2007, Daimler sold the Chrysler Group to a private equity firm. It is now under control of Fiat.

More recently, the company has added a couple of enticing models to its lineup (including a four-door version of the Wrangler and the pavement-scorching Grand Cherokee SRT8) and made substantial performance and quality improvements under the hoods and within the cabins. As such, we expect Jeep will not only maintain a loyal group of customers but will also bring new fans into the fold.

User Reviews:

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  I love Liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By il2queen - May 22 - 2:00 am

  My first Liberty was a company car that I picked. When the company took back their car, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted another Liberty. It is fun to drive and is just the right size for city traffic. This is my third Jeep and I love my Liberty.

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  Jeep Liberty 2003 - satisfaction - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Rice6roni - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have driven vehicles on business prior to my purchase of my Liberty. Comparisons were done between Xterra, Escape, and the Liberty for ride and enjoyment. The Jeep Liberty won hands down ... and was cheaper to boot. If youre looking for an economical call from a fuel perspective, this is not your car.

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  Great buy - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By inspect7 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Jeep in 4 years. My first Jeep was a base model purchased new with a four cylinder - and was slow to accelerate (also, the mileage was awful - 13mpg all around - and I am not an aggresive driver). In addition, it was loud with the softtop. With the six cylinder the power is abundant and the mileage is better (Overall average around 18mpg). Fun to drive - a head turner. Ride in lap of luxury with the Sahara without the expense of the exotic imports. Insurance is low, re-sale high. Reasonable sound levels with the hard top. Stock CD/Stereo is sweet.

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  Great Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By fulbox - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Too high a maintenance vehicle. Long warranty is BS.Need a special bank account to keep maintenance on this vehicle. Ask to see maintenance required and the cost. You make the decision. Most expensive vehicle I have ever owned.(55 years old). This the last Chrysler product I will ever buy.

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  Better than 2001 V6 - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mvickers - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 2001 Limited Grand Cherokee 2WDw/V6 engine for 2004 2WDw/V8. I love the way that it drives. I totally disagree w/ Edmonds that it rides like a truck, and so does everyone else that I talk with. The V8 with 5 speed transmission is much more fun to drive and very smooth; IMO.The styling is great inside and out.I did have a number of problems with my 2001, but I believe that Jeep has strived hard for better quality in recent years.

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  First Jeep - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By D - May 21 - 2:40 pm

  I bought my first Jeep about a month ago (05 Rubicon) and I absolutely love it! I often take the long way home from work just so I can drive it a little longer. Although it is being used mainly for commuting, I do plan to take an occasional off-road excursion, and I cant wait to see what it can do. Not the most practical vehicle for everyday use, but thats not why we buy Jeeps. It definitely delivers everything that is promised with a Jeep. Pure fun!

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  DECENT VEHICLE - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dan P - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Overall, a good SUV. Very little trouble until now. Recently replaced the water pump, fuel pump, and Battery. This is its third Battery. I cant complain though, I see this as normal wear and tear items for a vehicle with 175k. The only complaints I have is with the door panels. They started to come apart at 100k. All 4 panels will run you around $600.00, and you install. Exhaust header is also a problem. It cracks and develops a leak. There are aftermarket headers available. I found Gibson headers to be the most desirable. These are direct replacement, and bolt right in. All in all, I like my Grand.

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  Jeep Liberty Limited Edition - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Dianna - May 21 - 8:00 am

  I love my Jeep Liberty Limited Edition. However, it drinks gas faster than I can drink water. If it was not for the high prices of gas and the amount that is used by the Jeep Liberty, this would be the perfect vehicle!

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  Best Yet - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ray J - May 20 - 9:13 pm

  The Grand Cherokee(V8) is a top shelf 4x4. I have been driving Blazers for the past 8 years and the Jeep Grand is a much more capable vehicle. If you are looking for gas milage, buy a 4cyl. econo car. If you want a quick, real 4x4, get a Jeep Grand (V8).

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  made the right choice - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By marvin chinitz - May 20 - 5:12 pm

  About my jeep cherokee trailhawk: I bought every option except the fancy audio speakers. After I ordered the car, Consumer Reports came out with best 10 safety options that every new car should have. With the trailhawk options I had every one on consumer reports list. The options are worth every cent. Just returned from drive from NYC to ski trip deep in Canada, a total of 32 hours of driving round trip. The Trailhawk was amazing, on highway or on snow or at city pace. If you cannot afford all the options i would not recommend the car. The options make it worth every penny, and make the car extremely safe to drive. That should be your first priority.